Dressage today...

[HaloHoney]

Well I’m pretty chuffed if I’m honest.

First test (Intro A) I felt I rode better than a 59.56% so was a little miffed.

Second test (Prelim 12), got him more forward, and much more relaxed- despite at one point in the test (with my back to the judge) muttering through gritted teeth “come on! I’m NOT riding a ‘king Llama!” as I put my leg on. 59.44%

I felt like it was scrappy as hell. And then I caught myself on.

3 months ago he had a fractured leg.
8 weeks ago he hadn’t even been turned out.
6 weeks ago he hadn’t cantered.
4 weeks ago he was just about back in full work.

If at any of the above points in time, you’d offered me two 59s and a judge’s comment of “3 correct, ground-covering paces. Needs now to connect onto the contact with a rounder frame - there were glimpses of it so keep at it.” today, I’d have probably wept with gratitude.

So I’m actually pretty pleased. And excited about 2018.

And laughing that there were v few entries- so I ended up with two rosettes - 3rd in the Intro, 2nd in the prelim.

Good boy. He got a banana as his reward. He loves a manky banana!

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

Well done! Given his rehabilitation that seems like a really good result.

Does he eat the banana skin and all? Ziggy can't resist them - the mankier the better!

 

[HaloHoney]

Well done! Given his rehabilitation that seems like a really good result.

Does he eat the banana skin and all? Ziggy can't resist them - the mankier the better!

Yep! Much excitement and sometimes nickering at me if he knows I’ve got one and I’m withholding it!

 

[Lissie]

Fantastic well done! I'd be really pleased with those scores especially since he's only been back in work such a short time.

 

[HaloHoney]

Just doing some filing- have found the test sheets from when I did the dressage on a borrowed horse, Bruce (who is absolutely lovely, currently being treated for a corneal ulcer. It looks SO sore, but he’s just his normal chipper self- he’s an absolute champ), while Flash was lame. 56.52% for Intro B. 57.88% for Prelim 18.

Well I feel a WHOLE lot better! It just shows that riding a horse I know... I know... even when he’s not fully fit with muscles in all the right places, we can do pretty well. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve with more schooling!

5th Feb for the next one- Intro B and prelim 13.
24th Feb (going out on a mate’s lorry!) - Intro B and prelim 18.

Can’t wait!

 

[Tir]

Well done on your results - I am glad you are clearly feeling a bit better about it today!

Before you even get to Flash's leg you are out there doing it, which in itself is an achievement.

One thing I have always found really helpful with dressage is getting someone to video the test from as close to C as they can get, so you can see what the judge can see (and then learn to hide the problems!). I've actually had a few lessons on test riding (which I sometimes remember and sometimes just go into survival mode of just get it done!!!) which were really helpful, and did some writing for a judge to get a real idea of what they are looking for. Basically those 4 odd minutes you are not schooling at all, you are putting on a show, unless you are doing a schooling round, in which case don't even look at the results!

Good luck for the next ones and are you at BF on the 24th? If so see you there.

 

[HaloHoney]

Well done on your results - I am glad you are clearly feeling a bit better about it today!

Before you even get to Flash's leg you are out there doing it, which in itself is an achievement.

One thing I have always found really helpful with dressage is getting someone to video the test from as close to C as they can get, so you can see what the judge can see (and then learn to hide the problems!). I've actually had a few lessons on test riding (which I sometimes remember and sometimes just go into survival mode of just get it done!!!) which were really helpful, and did some writing for a judge to get a real idea of what they are looking for. Basically those 4 odd minutes you are not schooling at all, you are putting on a show, unless you are doing a schooling round, in which case don't even look at the results!

Good luck for the next ones and are you at BF on the 24th? If so see you there.

Yes! It’s my birthday that day too, I’ll be bringing cake. Come and say Hi! Look out for 6.5T lorry (side ramp), with female in a flap next to large bay gelding probably looking nonplussed, and petite female friend with coloured mare who actually knows what she’s doing. LOL.

 

[HaloHoney]

Things I got from adult pony camp test riding post-mortem in Aug:

1. Ride with your mouth slightly open, so it’s not immediately obvious if you use your voice.

2. If you have to have a conversation with your mount, do it at F/K with your back to the judge.

3. On entering the arena ride your short side at A close to the fence to give yourself as much space as possible to turn.

4. Ride your corners like 5 metre 1/4 circles.

5. Half halt before your transitions to give him a hint to wait for your aid.

6. Make your free walk good as it’s worth double points!



If you reveal yourself early enough at BF, I’m bringing my big camera. I will happily point it at you should you so wish (and providing I’m not riding at the same time). I got some good ones in November of my friend on her coloured.

 

[OwnedbyChanter]

WOW excellent results and what a good come back. Onward from here.

You forgot the one very important thing. Smile at the judge as you go down the centre line at the start and again before your salute and always, always pat your pony no matter how it went.

I have had to pat through gritted teeth on a fair few tests also had the judge get out the car and tell me well done most would have got off/retired after the first move!!!